The Surprising Benefits of Eating Ice Cream When You're Sick

An ice cream bar can bring unexpected benefits (illustrative photo)

Nutritionist Dalina Soto, founder of the platform "Your Latina Nutritionist", USA, said she often feeds her child popsicles when he is sick.

Popsicles are also popular with adults due to their physical and emotional benefits. Many other experts agree that this treat can aid in the body's recovery process.

Helps hydrate

Dehydration is a common problem when you have the flu or a cold, especially if you sweat a lot, vomit, or have diarrhea. While drinking plain water can be boring for many people, a cool ice cream bar is easy to eat and feels good, says nutritionist Aleta Storch, founder of Wise Heart Nutrition.

This is especially important for children, who can become dehydrated more easily than adults. "A popsicle can help reduce the risk of dehydration in children," says Soto.

Soothes throat, reduces fever

The cream can help soothe an inflamed or sore throat and relieve dry mouth, a common condition caused by breathing through the mouth due to nasal congestion.

In addition, according to nutrition expert Beth Rosen (Columbia University, USA), the cold temperature from popsicles helps to temporarily lower body temperature when having a fever, bringing a pleasant feeling.

Helps to recharge when you have a poor appetite

When you're sick, you often don't want to eat, but your body still needs energy to recover. The sugar in popsicles, from a nutritional perspective, is a necessary source of calories.

“Sugar breaks down into glucose, which is the only form of energy the brain can use,” Rosen explains. “So even if you can’t eat a full meal, an ice cream cone can help you maintain your baseline energy levels.”

Storch adds that ice cream is often easier to digest than other nutritious foods, especially when you have a stuffy nose, sore throat or nausea.

Spiritual benefits

Not only does ice cream help your body feel better, it can also be mentally comforting.

“When you’re sick, the small pleasures of your favorite foods can have a positive impact on your recovery,” says Storch. “Being overly concerned about sugar levels can sometimes cause stress, which can negatively impact your immune system.”

For many parents, the most important thing is to make their child feel good, and an ice cream can do that, both physically and emotionally.

Some people opt for ice cream made with real fruit or yogurt for the added vitamins and protein. But experts say the difference isn’t that big. If you like the traditional flavor, find it easier to find, and find it more delicious, it’s still a good choice.

“It’s okay to indulge in foods that aren’t super nutritious, especially when you’re recovering. Not everything we eat has to be nutritionally ‘perfect’ – sometimes, comfort is more important,” says Soto.

TB (summary)

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/loi-ich-bat-ngo-cua-viec-an-kem-khi-bi-om-411958.html